Paving over existing paving

Nadine86

I'm currently in the process of a much needed garden reno and wanting a new path laid with limestone slabs. It's been recommended that I pave over the existing old crazy paving which seems very solid and has been down for years but is not level. The sub-base looks like it might be partially made of bricks. Hoping to get advice on whether laying on top of the existing slabs is a good idea or if it needs to come up?

-taff

If it's solid and you don't intend moving the slabs you're about to put down,  then put them on top of it. It'll act as your base.

If the path will be too high, or it's too much bother to level the new slabs, dig them up. It's up to you.

Mutton_Geoff

I had loads of sandstone and block driveway paving laid over old at my house as the old stuff was pretty stable. Just watch the new height and infringement of damp course if you are near a house wall. We got round that by leaving a 30cm gap and filling with shingle to stop water backing up against the house in heavy rain.

Ectophile

If the path is next to your house, check the height relative to the damp proof course.  You definitely don't want the new path above the DPC, and really there should be a nice gap between the two.

Nadine86

Thanks for your responses, really helpful! It wont be laid near the house so that's not a problem 🙂